The Rewards Of Fixing A Screw Up

I know it’s 2013, but sometimes I still need to pick up the phone and actually talk to someone. This is shocking and unacceptable news for some of you, but get over it. Two days ago, I mentioned how I messed up by applying for a Southwest card I already have. I didn’t think I’d be able to fix this, but I called the Chase “reconsideration” phone number at 1-888-245-0625 to give it a shot. The lady picked up and told me I was denied because I have the same card already (plus the Business version of it). It wasn’t looking good. I told her I’d really like all 3, but would close the other Personal card if that would help get this opened. It was a total hail mary longshot, but we had a really friendly conversation, and I was somehow able to get the card opened.

What are the rewards of my efforts? First, I’ll get 50,000 Southwest Airlines points. This is in addition to the 50,000 I already have coming this month from the Business card. More importantly, I’ll be the owner of a shiny new Southwest Companion Pass. For domestic travel, this is the single best thing in the frequent flyer universe. Why? Well, until the end of next year, I’ll be able to have my companion fly free with me whenever I travel with Southwest. This is on paid AND mileage bookings. All because I’ll earn 110,000 Southwest points this year. Pretty nice reward for making that phone call.

HUGE Credit Card Offer (Offer Now Dead)

**Act fast…I’m pretty sure this offer will be going away in a hurry**

100,000 Membership Rewards points is 4 times the normal bonus of an American Express Platinum card! But it’s exactly what is available right now here. Besides this insane bonus, this is one of the best 2 or 3 airline cards in the world. Among a long list of features, you get lounge access with American, Delta, and US Airways. There is a $450 annual fee, but with a $200 annual airline credit (use now and also January 2014) you’ll be able to get $400 back before closing the card.

**There is a direct link to the application here, but I’m sure this link won’t last long**

Monday Funday

  • Get 1,000 Southwest miles this tax season from Turbo Tax (can buy Turbo Tax through BigCrumbs for 10.5% cash back)
  • Pick up 500 free Alaska Air miles for an insurance quote from Esurance 
  • Register here for double points (or miles) from Hilton
  • 1,000 Delta Skymiles for staying at a Marriott
  • 15,000 American Airlines miles from Energy Plus
  • Bonuses for buying American or Virgin miles
  • 25,000 American miles from DirecTV extended one more month

Lisa Lubin

Last month, I talked about a friend of MileNerd,  Steve Gempeler. Today, it’s my pleasure to mention another – Lisa Lubin. As one of the biggest travel bloggers around, she’s already an inspiration to some of you. Her story is the type of thing that frees the rest of us up to take more risks in life. I was fortunate enough to be interviewed by her here and I hope you enjoy it!

Thursday Triple

  • Lots of you are frustrated with airlines getting in the way of AwardWallet. Personally, I’m still loyal to AwardWallet and hope they’ll find more solutions. Still, I’m here to show you all the good choices for your miles. Some people think there’s a possible good competitor for AwardWallet here. 
  • For you new year’s resolutioners – grab 2,000 United Airlines miles for a gym membership here.
  • After a bad customer service experience at BankDirect, I stopped posting anything about them. But they have a new refer-a-friend program worth looking at here. It’s 1,000 American Airlines miles for the person who refers and 1,000 for the one who gets referred. BankDirect is an easy way to earn miles every month if you have a good amount of money in your checking account. I just didn’t like my customer service experience there and I hate the $12 monthly fee. If you’re looking for someone to refer you, find someone fast here.